When it comes to communication at work, I have come across folks unnecessarily complicating communication just to look Good or portray they are working on a High Profile Projects. Well, Visibility is important but through consistency and Results not by complexifying. I have seen folks from all levels especially senior levels on how they just focus on complexifying. It does not take too long for anyone to figure it out if you consistently follow this path. If you keep it Simple and Understandable, you will achieve the outcome you want. In this environment of Speed and Velocity, if you use complex communication (with a motive of impressing someone) you are only slowing yourself.
When it comes to communicating, most experts agree that clarity, simplicity, and parsimony are ideal. People at all level want one thing as readers: clarity
From the mailroom to the boardroom, we all want to understand a message clearly and quickly. Just because you’re a senior leader doesn’t mean that you develop a taste for complexity in communication, or that you want the challenge of deciphering a jargon-filled proposal. In fact, at these higher levels, you probably have a more critical need for clear, direct language. The question is how to deliver a simple message with clarity and effectiveness
Stick to Core Message:
If you share ten points even if each is a good point, when the audience gets back he or she won’t remember any. That’s because each of our PFC (prefrontal cortex) working memory is very limited. It can’t take more than few key points, to give you a practical example of its limitation of PFC, try to multiply 56 and 43 while driving the car at a point when you have to make a turn (Caution, it’s not possible to do, you may end up in an accident). With limited PFC Memory, it’s important to strip an idea down to its core, so that the message can be remembered for long and to do that we must be masters of exclusion. To help with that, follow the inverted pyramid approach, the most important (the widest part of the pyramid) is at the top. Focus on core messages, repeat often and ensure it sticks. ‘Right now, somewhere in the world it’s tea time on British Airways’ a famous 80’s British Airway’s print ad says of its size, frequency, and coverage.
What’s your thought? Please comment and share your ideas on crisp and effective communication.